The SPIRES Plan

In the midst of our busy lives, we might often be tempted to think about how to achieve balance for our lives, finding the point of equilibrium between work and play and family and friends where we feel the most fulfilled — busy but not overworked, social but not worn out, stretched but not burning out.

But life is always in motion. To use the analogy of a rower in a boat on a river, what is needed is not balance (to keep from tipping over) but rhythm (to move in the desired direction).

The SPIRES Plan is an adaptation of a Rule of Life, a tool to help us think very intentionally about the disciplines and habits we want to build into our lives as the structure for the work God will do through us by God's Spirit.

Start by looking back

How would you honestly assess your health in each of the areas of your life? What contributed to that, whether in beneficial or detrimental ways? Were there particularly impactful one-off events or consistent habits?

Then look forward

Build with prayerful intention and discerning attention a scaffolding that will help you grow in the ways you sense God inviting you.

Who is God inviting you to become?
And how will you get there?

Here are a few ideas

Daily rhythms might include:

  • beginning your day with (at least) five minutes of silent reflection and listening to regularly make space for God to speak;

  • reading something from the Bible every morning or fiction or poetry before bedtime;

  • ending your day with a time of prayer, reflecting on the day.

Weekly rhythms might include:

  • setting aside one day a week as a sabbath, a day to intentionally reconnect with God;

  • working out a few times a week in order to maintain your physical health, or setting a goal for home cooking or healthy meals;

  • limiting the amount of screen time, or having a social-media-free day.

Monthly or quarterly rhythms might include:

  • scheduling a half-day of prayer, to have some extended time with God;

  • investing in important friendships by putting dinners on the calendar;

  • checking over your budget and making sure your finances are in order.

Download a printable version of the SPIRES Plan HERE.